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100 Dairy Cows Die On St Helier Farm

Samples are being analysed and milk is being destroyed following the sudden deaths of more than 100 dairy cows on a Jersey farm.

The cows that have died are part of the herd belonging to Woodlands Farm in St Helier.

They have all fallen ill and died since last Thursday - for a currently unknown reason.

Samples from the cows, and from their feed, are being analysed.

33,000 litres of milk that has been collected from farms across Jersey since last Friday is being disposed of 'as a precaution'.

Environment Minister, Deputy Jonathan Renouf says that he has been reassured that no milk from the affected herd has entered the food chain.

”Every precaution is being taken to safeguard public and animal health and discussions are currently underway about how to best dispose of the milk.”

He says the investigations into what has happened may take some time.

"We don’t yet know, for sure, what has caused this devastating loss of so many of this dairy herd, and my thoughts are with all those at the farm having to come to terms with what’s happened. The analysis of the samples will tell us more, but this can take around a week due its specialist nature."

Jersey Diary says it is  totally devastated by the loss.

”Losing part of a herd like this is heart-breaking. We can’t imagine how difficult this is for Charlie Le Boutillier, his family and all at Woodlands.

Investigations are continuing to determine the root cause of what’s happened at the farm, but we know that is is an isolated incident and that no other farmers are affected.”

All milk from the dairy is subject to ‘rigorous testing’ and it is  working with Public Health to ensure there is no risk to consumers.

"We would like to assure our customers that none of our products contain milk from the affected farm."

Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley says there is ‘no risk to public health’ and he is monitoring the situation closely.

The bodies of the dead cows have been sent to the Animal Carcass Incinerator.

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